MULTI-PURPOSE BALANCED BRUSH for EYEBROW SCULPTING

ABSTRACT

Various forms of a device for shaping eyebrows are provided that includes a compact multi-purpose brush for eyebrow sculpting. The unique brush provides two main brushes for enhancing definition at each distal end of a wand and a detachable spoolie brush mounted on complementary cover member that fits over each of the main brushes. The spoolie brush has a tapered head and soft bristles to groom the hairs as well as even out the eyebrow. The compact size of the detail brush and angled brow brush provide a more exact and precise way to apply a cosmetic product to the brow. In some examples, the brush wand may include brush heads having defined areas of bristles having different flexural moduli, i.e., that is more flexible than a first defined area extending along a longitudinal axis and bristles held by the wand. The spoolie brush cover member provides a snug fit when applied surmounting a collar of either main brush on the wand. The unique multi-purpose brush thereby provides a convenient way to keep all three eye brow brushes close at hand during the sculpting process.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a multi-purpose balanced brush for eyebrow sculpting and for applying a cosmetic product. In particular, the invention provides various exemplary embodiments of the unique invention related to sculpting of eyebrows and to apply a cosmetic product to keratinous fibers (e.g., eyelashes and/or eyebrows). The term “cosmetic product” includes makeup products as well as care products.

There are various applicators known to the art comprising projecting elements that are made integrally with a support. Such applicators, sometimes also known as “combs,” may have a plurality of rows of projecting bristles.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,343,607 for instance, discloses an applicator comprising an applicator member. The applicator member may include a support having a polygonal cross section and a plurality of projecting elements disposed on the support, such that at least two projecting elements may extend away from the support substantially in continuation of two different sides of the support.

With such an applicator, when the axial spacing between the projecting elements is relatively small, only a limited quantity of substance may be deposited onto the eyelashes or eyebrows, resulting in an insufficient makeup effect. On the other hand, if the spacing between the projecting elements is too big, an excessive quantity of substance may be deposited onto the eyelashes, potentially causing, for example, hairs in the eyelashes or eyebrows to stick together.

European Application Publication No. EP 1 342 428 discloses a makeup applicator enabling some of the eyelash or eyebrow hairs to be grouped together in packets.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,586,520 and 4,898,193 relate to twisted mascara brushes having rows of bristles without any notches.

European Application Publication No. EP 1 306 029 discloses an applicator member having two rows of projecting elements. Each of the rows may be connected to each side of a support having a longitudinal axis that is curvilinear. Such an applicator may enable one row of projection elements to apply substance to the eyelashes, while the other row of projecting elements may be used to apply substance to the eyebrows.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,681,777 discloses an applicator member comprising a support, a mounting member pivotably coupled to the support, and a plurality of rows of bristles carried by the mounting member.

However, there exists a need for further improving the performance of at least some of the applicators for applying substance to keratinous fibers. Such improvement should eliminate the need for a clutter of separate brushes for the sculpting of eyebrows while at the same time affording the user with a compact and balanced light weight applicator.

The present invention fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides various forms of a device for shaping eyebrows that includes a relatively light weight multi-purpose brush for eyebrow sculpting. The unique brush provides two main brushes at either distal end of a wand and a detachable spoolie brush with a cover member that fits snugly over a mounting collar of each of the main brushes. The spoolie brush head is tapered with relatively soft bristles to groom the hairs as well as even out the eyebrow. The compact size of each of the detail brush and angled brow brush provide a more exact and precise way to apply a cosmetic product to the brow. In some examples, each brush member may include defined areas of bristles having different flexural moduli, i.e., that is more flexible than a first defined area extending along a longitudinal axis and bristles held by the wand. The spoolie brush cover member when applied over either of the main brushes provides a balanced over all brush with an even weight distribution.

The brushes according to the present invention are held by a one-piece wand that has, at each distal end thereof, a detail brush and an angled brow brush provided with bristles. The wand may be comprised of any suitable material such as polymers, wood, or light weight material. In general, the brush bristles may comprise natural animal or vegetable fibers, polymers, or a blend of a first polymer with a second polymer that has a lower flexural modulus, i.e., that is generally more flexible, than the first polymer. More specifically, the hardness of the second polymer is less than that of the first polymer. The Shore A hardness of the second polymer is preferably from about 25 to about 85.

In the following description of the preferred polymer materials for use herein, the abbreviations that are commonly used by those of ordinary skill in the art to refer to certain polymers appear in parentheses following the full names of the polymers.

Suitable animal hair brush bristle materials include goat hair, hog bristle, horsehair, camel hair, ox hair, red sable and the like.

The brush wand is preferably composed as a one-piece support fabricated from polymer materials that according to one embodiment of the present invention may provide the advantage of true, multi-directional flexibility. In other words, the head portion of the multi-purpose brush of the present invention can be bent in any direction with respect to the handle portion of the brush with equal ease. This is in contrast to the conventional brushes, in which the head has only a uni-directional flexing capability with respect to the handle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of one embodied form of the unique multi-purpose brush showing a brush wand having a angled brow brush located on the left distal end of the wand and a removable spoolie brush with cover member located at the right distal end of the brush wand surmounting a detail brush;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the multi-purpose brush shown in FIG. 1 with the spoolie brush cover member, removed from the brush wand, revealing the detail brush located at the right distal end of the wand;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged side view of the removable spoolie brush with cover member that snugly fits over either of the two main brushes mounted on the distal ends of the wand;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the brush wand showing the detail brush and a portion of the removable cover member that snugly fits over the detail brush when the spoolie brush is mounted on the right distal end of the wand; and

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of one embodied form of the unique multi-purpose brush showing the wand with detail brush and angled brow brush disposed at each distal end of the wand and the removable spoolie brush with cover member that fits over either of the main brushes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Various forms of a device for shaping eyebrows are provided comprising a multi-purpose brush for eyebrow sculpting. The unique balanced brush provides two main brushes for enhancing definition at each end of a wand and a removable spoolie brush mounted on a cover member. The cover member has a complementary shape to provide a snug friction fit when the spoolie brush is in placed over either of the main brushes on the wand. In more detail, the inner diameter of the cover member is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the mounting collars for each of the main brushes disposed on the wand. In more detail, the cover member is conically shaped, and sized, to surmount either of the main brushes when disposed along the longitudinal axis of the wand.

The spoolie brush has a tapered head and soft spiral wound bristles to groom the hairs as well as to even out the eyebrow. The compact size of the detail brush and angled brow brush provide a more exact and precise way to apply a cosmetic product to the brow. In some examples, the brush member may include defined areas of bristles having different flexural moduli, i.e., that is more flexible than a first defined area extending along a longitudinal axis and bristles held by the wand. The spoolie brush cover member when applied over either distal end of the wand acts as a counter-weight to provide the brush with a balanced over all brush with an even weight distribution. In one embodied form, the brush provides two main brushes for enhancing definition and a spoolie to groom the hairs as well as even out cosmetic product. Preferably, the detail brush and angled brow brush of the present invention are relatively smaller than conventional brow brushes, thus providing a more exact and precise way to apply cosmetic product to the brow.

In the following description, certain aspects and embodiments will become evident. It should be understood that the invention, in its broadest sense, could be practiced without having one or more features of these aspects and embodiments. It should be understood that these aspects and embodiments are merely exemplary.

FIGS. 1-5 further illustrate exemplary preferred embodiments of multi-purpose balanced brush according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the brush 10 has a one-piece wand 12 comprised of a first head 14 and a second head 16. Each head is provided with bristles 18. A neck portion 20 is located between the wand 12 and each head 14 and 16. The wand may also be provided with a non-slip grip area(s) made from any suitable material known in the art including santoprene. As noted above, the bristles 18 may be provided in any configuration, including configurations having three-dimensional profiles as are known to those of skill in the art and of which non-limiting examples are shown in the Figures herein, especially FIG. 1 though 5.

Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a multi-purpose brush 10 for applying a cosmetic product to, for example, keratinous fiber (e.g. eyelashes or eyebrows), according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The brush may comprise a wand 12 having a first brush head 14 and a second brush head 16 at each distal end of the wand 12. As best shown in FIG. 2, each brush head 14 and 16 comprise bristles 18 a and 18 b in different configurations. The wand 12 includes a mid-point 22 generally spaced equidistant from the brush heads 14 and 16. Neck portions 20 a and 20 b are preferably each tapered toward the respective brush heads. As best shown in FIG. 1, the wand 12 comprises an angled brow brush 14 and a removable spoolie brush 22.

The spoolie brush 22 is mounted on a removable cover member 24 that has a complementary conical shape to surmount either of the main brushes 14 and 16 and provides a snug friction fit with the outer diameter of either brush head mounting collars 26 a and 26 b. In an alternate embodiment the cover member 24 may have a thread on its inside surface for screwing onto an outside thread of the mounting collars 26 a and 26 b.

The brush 10 shown in detail in FIGS. 1 and 3 may be used with the spoolie brush 22 and cover member 28 removed. In this embodied form, the multi-purpose brush 10 may comprise the wand support 12 having a longitudinal axis. The right distal end of the wand 12 is shown with detail brush 24. A plurality of relatively stiff bristles 18 may extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the wand 12. The left distal end of the wand 12 is shown with an angled brow brush 30 with tapering bristles 18.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the fragmentary view of the brush wand 12 with tapered right distal end supports the detail brush 24. The cover member 28 is shown with complementary configuration to fit snugly over the detail brush when the spoolie brush is attached to the wand 12.

As best shown in FIG. 5, the invention brush comprises three brush heads, two of which can be used at any one time.

In one exemplary aspect, the invention may provide an applicator, such as a spoolie brush, for applying a substance to, for example, eyelashes and/or eyebrows. The spoolie brush is mounted on a cover member in a complementary shape that surmounts either of the main brushes when in use. The cover member is conically shaped and is designed to fit snugly along a longitudinal axis of the wand to surmount either of the main brushes.

In an aspect, the applicator member may comprise a left-twisted support, such as, for example, a twisted wire core as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,345,923.

By way of example only, the outer diameter of the spoolie brush may range from about 2.5 inches to about 4.5 inches. The bristles may have a diameter ranging from, for example, about 150 to about 350 pm. The bristles may be either full or hollow. The applicator member may comprise, for example, about 25 to 50 bristles per 180° turn around the support.

In one embodiment, the spoolie brush may comprise bristles arranged in a non-helicoidal configuration along the longitudinal axis of the support. This arrangement may substantially eliminate or reduce a significant whirl effect that may otherwise result when the free ends of the bristles are arranged in a helicoidal configuration.

Some exemplary aspects of the invention may provide an applicator for applying a substance to eyelashes and/or eyebrows, comprising an applicator member (e.g., the spoolie brush). The applicator member may comprise a twisted support extending along a longitudinal axis and bristles having a cross-section other than a solid circular cross-section and/or bristles that have been deformed (e.g., beaten).

In one aspect, the spoolie brush is mounted on a metallic removable cover member that is sized to provide a complementary snug fit on either distal end of the wand surmounting one of the main brushes. The cover member may be fabricated from any suitable material for a shaped supportl e.g light weight metal such as aluminum, stainless steel, plastic, wood etc.

In still another aspect, the brush wand have a cross-sectional shape that may be substantially oval, elliptical, circular, or polygonal. For example, the support may have a substantially triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, or octagonal shape. The support may also have any other polygonal shape (e.g., regular or irregular) having more than eight sides.

By way of examples only, the wand support and the projecting elements (bristles) may be made by molding, for example, by injection-molding a plastics material (e.g., a thermoplastic elastomer). For example, the plastic material may be selected from at least one of: polyolefins (e.g., polyethylene or polypropylene), polyamide, polyethylene, terephthalate, polyoxymethylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate, Pebax®, styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene (SEBS), polyurethane, nitrile, ethylene-propylene terpolymer rubber (EPDM), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyester, and Hytrel®.

According to one aspect, the height of the projecting elements, as measured from the support, may range from about 0.5 mm to about 10 mm, and in particular from about 1 mm to about 4 mm.

According to another aspect, the projecting elements of the first row may have substantially the same height as the projecting elements of the second row. Alternatively, at least one projecting element of the first row may have a height that is different from that of a projecting element of the second row.

In various aspects, the invention may provide an applicator, such as a spoolie brush, for applying a substance to eyelashes and/or eyebrows, comprising an applicator member. The applicator member may comprise a support having a longitudinal axis and at least first and second rows of projecting elements extending from the support and being part of an integral, single piece defining at least a portion of the support. According to an exemplary aspect, the number of projecting elements of the second row may range from about one-fourth to about three-fourths the number of projecting elements of the second row and, in some particular aspects, from about one-third to about two-thirds. In another aspect, the first and second rows may be separated radially from one another about the longitudinal axis of the support by an angular spacing of less than 180°.

The following provides a general description of for the use of the unique multi-purpose brush of the present invention in shaping eyebrows:

The shape of your eyebrows can enhance your appearance by flattering your facial shape, balancing your features, and framing your cycs. If you have thick, full eyebrows, you might need to tweeze them; if you have thin, small eyebrows, you may need to fill them in with a pencil. Either way, here is how to find a shape that's flattering to any face.

Determine Your Ideal Shape

1. Determine where your inner brow should end. Hold a straight edge, such as an eyebrow pencil or a ruler, vertically in front of your face.

-   -   If you want your eyebrows farther apart, line it up so that it         touches the outermost of edge your nose and the inside of your         eye. If you want your eyebrows close together, line up the         straight edge with one side of the septum. These lines will         determine where your eyebrow should start.     -   Mark that spot with an eyebrow pencil. Repeat for the other eye.

2. Determine where your arch should peak. Angle the straight edge so that it lines up with the outermost edge of your nose and the outermost edge of your pupil.

-   -   It's very important that you look straight ahead—both your face         and your eyes should be looking directly forward at the mirror.     -   Wherever the line intersects your eyebrow is where the peak of         your arch should begin at the top border of the eyebrow.     -   Mark that spot with your eyebrow pencil.     -   Repeat for the other eye.

3. Determine where your outer brow should end. Angle the straight edge further so that it touches the outermost edge of your nose and also passes along the outmost edge of your eye

-   -   This tells you where the eyebrow should end. Mark this point         with your eyebrow pencil.     -   Repeat with the other eye.

4. Draw a line along the bottom edge of your brow. This will determine the brow thickness.

-   -   Follow the natural curvature of your eyebrow.

5. Tweeze the strays that fall below the line and outside the marks you've made.

-   -   Your eyebrows should be ¼-½ inch (0.5-1 om) at their thickness.     -   Tweeze minimally above the brow—you want to retain your brow's         natural arch. Only tweeze stray hairs.     -   If tweezing isn't your thing, try shaping without it.     -   If your brows are sensitive, use ice to numb the areas before         you tweeze.

6. Consider your face shape. Certain brows better compliment specific face shapes.

-   -   To minimize the curve of a round face, direct the outer third of         the brow towards the top of the ear.     -   If the face is square, direct it toward the middle of the ear.         This helps balance the face.     -   If the face is long, keep the brow more straight across,         directing it above the ear.

Everyday Maintenance

1. Trim your brows. You may find that hairs are within your ideal shape, but are just too long. Use a pair of eyebrow trimmers to clean up your look.

-   -   Using a brow brush, brush the hairs upward.     -   Cut the hairs that extend beyond your natural hairline.

2. Fill in sparse spots. If your brows are too light (or dark), fill them in with an eyebrow pencil. If you don't have an eyebrow pencil, substitute matte eyeshadow.

-   -   If your brows are fair, choose a pencil two shades darker than         your hair. (If you have dark hair, go two shades lighter.)     -   Hold your skin taut at the temple, and line softly along the         upper edge of your brow. Then, line along the bottom edge.     -   With feathery strokes, fill in between the two edges.     -   Remember to blend.

3. Use a clear gel to set. Brush the hairs how they naturally lie and apply gel to set the hairs in place.

-   -   Clear mascara can double as a brow gel.     -   This also prevents smudging, if filled in.

4. Develop a routine. Forming good habits will make your routine shorter, day by day.

-   -   By sticking to a specific contoured shape, spotting strays         becomes easy.     -   Consistently tweeze between the brows and at the edges. These         hairs grow the fastest and take away from the natural shape of         your brows.

The scope and content of this invention is not to be limited except by judicial construction of the following claims. 

I claim:
 1. A compact multi-purpose brush for eyebrow sculpting, the brush comprising, in combination: a. A first and second main brush for enhancing definition of an eyebrow disposed at each distal end of a wand having a longitudinal axis, said first main brush having bristles of a first flexural hardness to define the detail of the eyebrow; said second main brush having bristles of a second flexural hardness and being angled from the longitudinal axis of the wand; each main brush being held on said wand by a mounting collar have a first outer diameter; and b. A detachable spoolie brush disposed on a conically shaped cover member having an inside diameter greater than said first outer diameter of said mounting collars and to surmount each of the main brushes; said spoolie brush having a tapered head and spirally wound bristles of a third flexural hardness to groom the hairs as well as even out the eyebrow.
 2. The compact multipurpose brush as defined in clam 1 wherein the brush wand comprises at least one defined area of bristles having different flexural moduli more flexible than a first defined area extending along a longitudinal axis held by the wand.
 3. The compact multipurpose brush as defined in claim 1 wherein the brush wand comprises at least two defined areas of bristles having different flexural moduli than a first defined area extending along a longitudinal axis held by the wand.
 4. The compact multipurpose brush as defined in claim 1 wherein the spoolie brush comprises bristles having different flexural moduli than either of the first and second main brushes. 